The Village Idiom

tear up

The idiom tear up means to shred or destroy something, often referring to paper or documents. It can also mean to rip or cut into pieces. This phrase is commonly used metaphorically to describe intense emotions or the act of discarding something completely.

Filed under T

In a sentence

  • Sarah was so moved by the touching speech that she started to tear up.
  • The little boy accidentally tore up his homework while playing with the dog.
  • The old photographs were so faded and fragile that they easily tore up when handled.

Where it comes from and how it is used

Tear up is an idiom that is commonly used in American English. When someone says "tear up," they are not referring to physically tearing or ripping something into pieces, but rather to the act of destroying or damaging something in a forceful or violent manner.

One common usage of tear up is when someone tears up documents or papers. This can mean physically tearing the documents into pieces as a way of disposing them, or it can also be used figuratively to indicate disregarding or getting rid of something. For example, someone might say "I tore up all my old love letters" to express the act of getting rid of sentimental items or memories.

Additionally, tear up can be used to describe emotional reactions or expressions. When someone is emotionally moved, they might "tear up" or have tears welling up in their eyes. This usage suggests that the emotions are so strong that they are causing the person to cry or become emotional. Similarly, tear up can describe a person crying or becoming emotional due to sadness or joy. It is often used in the context of being deeply moved by something.

Furthermore, tear up can describe the act of intentionally or unintentionally damaging or ruining something. For example, if someone accidentally spills a drink on a piece of artwork, they might say "I tore up the painting." This usage indicates the action of causing damage or destruction to the object.

Tear up is also commonly used when tearing up a contract or agreement. This can suggest nullifying or canceling the agreement, as well as disregarding or violating it.

Similarly, another related idiom to tear up is "tear up the pea patch." This phrase is less commonly used and has a more specific meaning. It is used to describe the act of tearing up a garden or farm, usually in a negative or destructive way. The phrase implies causing damage or destruction to the plants or crops in a forceful manner. It can also be used metaphorically to describe disrupting or ruining a situation or organization.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.